CHOICE OF LEADERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24594, 30 April 1941, Page 10

CHOICE OF LEADERS

CHARACTER AND ABILITY HOME GUARD COMMANDER’S VIEWS (Special) CHRISTCHURCH, Apl. 29. “There has been in the past, not only in politics, but in various institutions and various important posts among our social sections, too much stress laid on the social connections of various individuals and too little stress on character and ability,” said Major D. S. Murchison, Area Commander of the Home Guard, in an, address on citizenship to the Christchurch Businessmen’s Club. “Until this country realises that we have got to have men of character leading us and insists that men of characted lead us, then we shall not get anywhere,” he said. “I am not talking politics, but in many walks of life one man gets on where another does not, because of family connections. Even in the parade on Saturday—and I am not talking of the military organisation—you could see persons whose connections placed them in positions when they were without the ability to handle them.” Major Murchison said that in the Home Guard he had had various requests from individuals and even from departments for preference for men who were recommended as excellent commanders. , All these requests had gone into the waste-paper basket. The persons who had been appointed were personally disinterested and they were endeavouring to see that the Home Guard was kept quite clear of personal, social, or political influence. Ability to do the job was the test. The Home Guard was definitely shaping itself as a fighting force, and he appealed to every man to 30m either the guard or the Emergency Precautions Scheme. It was essential for everyone to do his utmost to see that this country was adequately defended. With such defence it would take a very large force to capture the country. Everyone must get himself 'trained and organised.